[Believe it or not, when Wash comes to set up a moment within her office hours, she's not in her usual chair, not in front of her desk. A gnomish male, monocled, bright red hair and the most bushiest of mustaches follows in not long after.
"Davenport! Davenport. Davenport."
He's pointing to a sign on her desk that reads:
Taking the afternoon to tend to my begonias.
There's an insistence from the stout figure to follow over to the Greenhouse in the Quad. In fact, so insistent, that he won't leave Wash alone until they're both walking the length of the Quad.
Inside, Lucretia is spending time pruning and trimming plants. She has a pair of gardening gloves on, as well as a simple, white brimmed cloche sitting on her head. She hums a song to herself, and noticing that someone else has joined her here, she watches, and beckons Wash over.]
[He's not in the office for long before gnomish Nigel Thornberry enters to point out the sign, and...oh, okay. She probably doesn't want to be bothered, and the last thing Wash wants to do is start the conversation on the wrong foot.]
[Except Davenport follows him out of the office and...tries to herd him, as far as Wash can tell. He certainly seems happier when Wash follows him.]
[Well, he's done crazier things. He falls in step with Davenport, heading into the greenhouse and approaching Lucretia when she beckons.]
[That's...certainly a question. He shrugs and puts his hands in his pockets.]
I never really had the time.
[Or the inclination, or the skill, or the stable living situation.]
[Wash happens to be sitting in his own living area when Qrow saunters in and plunks himself down on the couch. Nice to know that casual B&E is Qrow's style. (Wash doesn't know what he expected, honestly, though he's not really bothered by it - casual B&E was very much a Red Team thing too, and Qrow is definitely Red Team.]
Not all of it, no. I think the broad strokes are probably true; I also think there are details she's not telling us.
[While this is a conversation that she'd prefer to have over text so she has more control over how she sounds, it seems a little rude, and she doesn't want to be rude even if she is kind of upset.
She does a pretty good job of moderating her tone, though, all things considered. It's only slightly on the sad side of neutral.] Why'd you tell me everything was fine if you were in jail?
[He can't honestly say he's surprised to get the message - Ogata had just outed the both of them in front of the entire Bureau. That doesn't mean he wants to have this conversation - not with Sayori, who's dealing with enough already without worrying about his problems.]
I didn't want you to worry.
[The truth.]
And I was fine.
[A lie, delivered in the exact same tone as the truth.]
[ She specifically chooses a time when Wash does not appear to be around to leave a small pink box at his doorstep for him to find at a later time. Inside the box is a cupcake -- it looks like it could have come from a professional bakery. The icing (a light pink strawberry flavor) is gorgeously piped on top of a dark chocolate cupcake base, and decorated with a few slices of strawberry on top.
In addition to the cupcake, there's a small note that says "Sorry about hiding your cat. -Natsuki" ]
[Natsuki timed it right, as the cupcake dropoff turned out to be in the middle of class. It's a good hour before Wash gets back to his room, opens up the box, and-]
[Oh, wow. Wow.]
[This definitely wasn't expected - he thought they were okay after their conversation, she didn't need to get him anything - but it's not unwelcome either. Plus, it's delicious.]
Thanks for the cupcake - it was really good. Where did you get it?
[Sans wasn't at the mission briefing today, if Wash happened to notice. He's not in the library, either, or actually anywhere accessible. But eventually Wash gets a text:]
there's dangerous magic items in the restricted section probably a good idea to figure out how people with access get around in there
[Wash definitely went looking when he saw Sans missing - it's not like Sans to miss a mission briefing. From what Wash can tell, there's a solid layer of Give A Fuck under Sans' cultivated laziness, which means it's not like him to miss something this important.]
[The text is welcome, to a point - it assuages some worries and creates more.]
[What did you do isn't even a question - he's been wondering about the restricted section for a while. Having more information means he probably made it in somehow, especially after the people with access comment.]
[Michael, for once, is in their shared room at night when Wash shows up there. He doesn't look quite ready for sleep; he's sitting on the edge of his bed, inspecting one of the buildings from that weird scale model of his neighborhood that he keeps in here. But his suit coat is draped over a chair, and his bowtie hangs loose around his neck. He's probably, slowly, winding his way there.]
Hope you don't mind, I know I'm not usually here now.Â
[It's a pretty late night, and Wash is restless. The library hasn't helped, and he's not terribly interested in another run today, so he finally makes his way back to his room, Athena trotting along at his heels.]
It's fine? I mean, it's your room too.
[He doesn't want Michael to feel like he can't be in the space, especially when Wash invited him there in the first place.]
[Athena, supremely unconcerned with the conversation, hops up onto Michael's bed and shoves her face into his ribs. She's here now! You should pet her.]
[Wash will find on his bed a very-bad-but-clearly-effort-was-put-in knitted white cat! It looks like Athena. I mean, kind of. Sans hasn't been knitting for that long.
There's no tag, but the cat does have a blue stick on bow.]
On the 25th, Wash makes his rounds delivering gifts, usually by leaving them outside apartment doors. Each is signed with a simple Happy Candlenights, from Wash note, though some notes may have a little more to them.
Each member of the Genki Training Squad gets an envelope. Inside is a note, a small, personalized gift, and a card reading Get Out Of Training Free: this card lets you skip training for one day, no reason or excuse needed. Each card is signed and has a feline paw print next to Wash's signature; it looks like he'd prepared these before the Thay mission. Additionally: - Sayori's note acknowledges how hard it can be to get moving some days and compliments her persistence and consistency. He's very proud of her. Her gift is a pink and gold pen. - Maya's note compliments her fighting spirit. It's important - don't ever lose it. Her gift is...well, it could be a hair tie, or an elastic bracelet - either way, it's patterned with cartoon hamburgers. - Kaede's note praises her willingness to work on skills outside of her comfort zone. He knows fighting - especially hand to hand - wasn't her forte (haha) at the beginning, and her willingness to learn anyway is something to be admired. Her gift is a brooch shaped like a grand piano. - Natsuki's note comments on her marked improvement. In the short time she's been in training, she's worked her ass off and improved by leaps and bounds, and it's impressive. Well done. Her gift is a spatula shaped like a sword. - Honoka's note compliments her ability to pick herself back up after getting knocked down. It's hard to do, and he's proud of her for being able to do it. Her gift is a necklace with a musical note charm. - Unlike the other's, Monika's card has no paw print, and her envelope lacks a personalized gift. Her note is simple: Good work. Keep it up. Whether that's referring to training or her situation as a whole is open to Monika's interpretation.
Michael receives what looks to be a standard first aid kit; however, opening it up reveals all the standard supplies and an additional smaller pouch with neatly organized single use supplies: a small bandage, a single dose of painkillers, a small amount of antiseptic, etc. This smaller pouch could easily fit into, say, the pocket of a standard men's suit, making it easy to carry around pretty much anywhere, even when Michael isn't carrying the larger bag.
Sans receives...well, this. It comes with a note reading For when you need a hand giving someone else a hand.
Alex receives a plush raven. There are absolutely no pointy bits: the beak, the feet, and even the eyes are all soft.
Church receives a copy of the Faerunian version of How to Make Friends and Influence People. It comes with a note reading Required reading for charisma classes.
Christine receives a short sword and scabbard. It's light, simple, and well-made. The accompanying note reads Let me know when you want to learn how to use this.
McCree receives a harmonica, with a note reading Your next step in becoming that one-man band you've always dreamed of being.
Dave receives a loaf of homemade cinnamon apple bread. Wash didn't make it; there's a baker out there who was paid a handsome commission to figure out how to incorporate apple juice in the batter.
Roxas receives a sword and scabbard, sturdy and well-made, with a note reading It's always good to have a backup.
Phoenix receives a sturdy but lightweight circular shield. After all, he's a defender, isn't he?
Eleanor receives a sleeping bag. Get off his couch, dammit.
Mista receives a sweatshirt in the same color and pattern as the one that had previously been "lost." Unlike his previous clothes, however, it's a full-length shirt - no crop tops. Not in the winter, and not from Wash.
Ogata receives a toy pop gun, delivered completely anonymously - no note whatsoever, and someone else brings it to Ogata's door. Have fun with that.
[Wash's gift was one of the more difficult ones, both logistically and generally. For one, he shares a room with the guy; it's not as if he can just lock him out, and hiding places are limited when Michael's already bought a ton of stuff recently. For the other...well, he wasn't entirely sure what Wash would like. Michael's been defaulting to weapons, when in doubt, but Wash's entire thing is combat training! He must have a billion of those already, and he definitely knows enough that he'd probably prefer picking them out himself! Are there gift cards to blacksmiths?
Whatever; even Michael knows that gift cards aren't considered thoughtful or something. In the end, he decides to just lean into his own brand of practicality. It would be a little silly to leave this gift outside his own door, so he just leaves it on Wash's bed instead.]
Hope this comes in handy. I'm going to try to spend the holiday in Eleanor's room for a change, or drag her over to Chidi's, but either way I don't think she or I will be here for a bit - happy Candlenights.
- Michael
[Inside is a travel first-aid kit and a nice chainmail shirt. Speaking from a demon's perspective, if he were better at swordfighting and all, he is pretty sure he could stab you right through that fancy space armor you got.]
[ wash will find a handmade ornament of athena, a handmade approximation of an ogata-shaped stressball, a coffee thermos covered in samurai stickers, and a card from maya wishing him a happy candlelights. the card is covered in various doodles of wash in different poses, such as: him running the genki training, him punching a big blog labeled 'sigma', him taking a nap, and a couple of goofy poses in his armor. the card thanks him for training her and details how tough and strong she thinks he is, and how she's happy to be his friend and teammate. the card wishes him success in dealing with the covenant and sigma back home, but also assures him that she has faith in him to succeed. it wishes him happiness and safety. ]
[ there's also a helmet shaped 'peace' omamori, blessed by mia and maya. ]
[Happy Candlenights! Wash receives: Some certified Dad Quality Whiskey. A Santa figurine that contains within its belly a recording of Mista singing the greatest hits of the 1980s a cappella (think Take On Me and 10 songs of a similar caliber). Whenever someone comes within a 5-foot radius of the thing, it begins to play. It cannot be stopped or destroyed. (It can probably be stopped or destroyed.)]
[ Late on the 25th, but still the 25th!! Alex will leave a wrapped present for Wash, which when opened contains...what the heck, it's a mug? But it has the Hang in There, Baby! cat on it. This is deadass a thing, apparently.
[Early in the evening on the 25th, there's a wrapped package sitting on Wash's bed, tied off with a thick bright yellow ribbon. Inside is a sweater and, on top of the sweater, a note:
[A messily-wrapped box, with Wash's name written directly on the colorful paper. There's a handmade card on top, decorated with stickers and doodles of wintry images like snow, gingerbread men, etc. It's not properly signed, but the signature isn't necessary. On one side of the interior:]
Tall green trees in lights twinkling bright, Sparkling strands of tinsel and snow pure white, The smell of hot cocoa and apple cider too, A very merry Candlenights, from Sayori to you!
[And then on the other side:]
You've been looking out for me and taking care of me since I got here! And you try to make sure I take care of myself too. I know I don't always make it easy, but I really try my best. I don't think I would have made it this far without you. Thank you.
[Inside the box is exquisite coffee that goes perfectly with Natsuki's coffee cake, a set of sturdy new boots and gloves that fit pretty darn well, and a carved New New Aspen ornament of Athena.]
[You receive an ominous little message on your bracer that might have been intended for you? Or it might have been intended for someone else? It’s hard to say. But suddenly there's a "poem" for you to read with no explanation at all.]
Why would you think the exhale is inaudible? the exhale is the most audible something of all. Are you upset by how hearable it is? Does it tear you apart to see the exhale so sonic?
Pay attention to the exhalation, the exhalation is the most noxious breath of all. Down, down, down into the darkness of the exhalation, Gently it goes - the innocuous, the injurious, the vesicant.
Whisper is, in its way, the breathless tone of verbalize. Down, down, down into the darkness of the whisper, Gently it goes - the wooly-minded, the hairy, the addled.
[He has three poets in his daily training sessions and Wash still can't make heads or tails of poetry. That goes double for a poem that shows up out of the blue and seems...dark? Dark is a good place to start.]
[Hey, Wash told him to show up. Sans saunters over to the cafe just a bit late, because who shows up on time? Not Sans. He's wearing his regular hoodie, but more importantly, he has a floating rock following him, about the size of his liveriverer but... Well, a rock.
If Wash is going to try to convince him to do something dangerous, he definitely expects food out of it at least.]
[Wash kind of assumed Sans wouldn't be there right away - he's known Sans long enough to expect that. He's settled on a seat with Athena perched in his lap - she's none too fond of the swim-up side of the bar, but she's happy here. She's currently eating the shrimp out of a shrimp cocktail, but she looks up sharply when Sans arrives and zeroes in on the floating rock. What is that?]
[Wash's reaction is a little less surprised - a floating rock is far from the furthest thing he's ever seen, and as long as it doesn't have a laser face, he's not worried.]
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"Davenport! Davenport. Davenport."
He's pointing to a sign on her desk that reads:
Taking the afternoon to tend to my begonias.
There's an insistence from the stout figure to follow over to the Greenhouse in the Quad. In fact, so insistent, that he won't leave Wash alone until they're both walking the length of the Quad.
Inside, Lucretia is spending time pruning and trimming plants. She has a pair of gardening gloves on, as well as a simple, white brimmed cloche sitting on her head. She hums a song to herself, and noticing that someone else has joined her here, she watches, and beckons Wash over.]
Have you ever cared for flowers?
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[Except Davenport follows him out of the office and...tries to herd him, as far as Wash can tell. He certainly seems happier when Wash follows him.]
[Well, he's done crazier things. He falls in step with Davenport, heading into the greenhouse and approaching Lucretia when she beckons.]
[That's...certainly a question. He shrugs and puts his hands in his pockets.]
I never really had the time.
[Or the inclination, or the skill, or the stable living situation.]
[She's going somewhere with this, right?]
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May 11, I think
So. You buy what Lu's selling?
[He's guessing it's a big old 'no.']
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Not all of it, no. I think the broad strokes are probably true; I also think there are details she's not telling us.
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@sans; text
don't suppose you can retroactively filter somebody out of a network conversation
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you probably know more about the bracers than I do
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A bit later
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voice, shortly after ogata's post; un: dearsunshine
She does a pretty good job of moderating her tone, though, all things considered. It's only slightly on the sad side of neutral.] Why'd you tell me everything was fine if you were in jail?
Voice
I didn't want you to worry.
[The truth.]
And I was fine.
[A lie, delivered in the exact same tone as the truth.]
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[ action-ish / a few days after the CAT INCIDENT ]
In addition to the cupcake, there's a small note that says "Sorry about hiding your cat. -Natsuki" ]
Voice
[Oh, wow. Wow.]
[This definitely wasn't expected - he thought they were okay after their conversation, she didn't need to get him anything - but it's not unwelcome either. Plus, it's delicious.]
Thanks for the cupcake - it was really good. Where did you get it?
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text; November 6
there's dangerous magic items in the restricted section
probably a good idea to figure out how people with access get around in there
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[The text is welcome, to a point - it assuages some worries and creates more.]
[What did you do isn't even a question - he's been wondering about the restricted section for a while. Having more information means he probably made it in somehow, especially after the people with access comment.]
Well, it's a pocket dimension, right? It's probably got controlled access.
...are you okay?
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[Michael, for once, is in their shared room at night when Wash shows up there. He doesn't look quite ready for sleep; he's sitting on the edge of his bed, inspecting one of the buildings from that weird scale model of his neighborhood that he keeps in here. But his suit coat is draped over a chair, and his bowtie hangs loose around his neck. He's probably, slowly, winding his way there.]
Hope you don't mind, I know I'm not usually here now.Â
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It's fine? I mean, it's your room too.
[He doesn't want Michael to feel like he can't be in the space, especially when Wash invited him there in the first place.]
[Athena, supremely unconcerned with the conversation, hops up onto Michael's bed and shoves her face into his ribs. She's here now! You should pet her.]
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on the 25th
There's no tag, but the cat does have a blue stick on bow.]
Candlenights Gifts
Each member of the Genki Training Squad gets an envelope. Inside is a note, a small, personalized gift, and a card reading Get Out Of Training Free: this card lets you skip training for one day, no reason or excuse needed. Each card is signed and has a feline paw print next to Wash's signature; it looks like he'd prepared these before the Thay mission. Additionally:
- Sayori's note acknowledges how hard it can be to get moving some days and compliments her persistence and consistency. He's very proud of her. Her gift is a pink and gold pen.
- Maya's note compliments her fighting spirit. It's important - don't ever lose it. Her gift is...well, it could be a hair tie, or an elastic bracelet - either way, it's patterned with cartoon hamburgers.
- Kaede's note praises her willingness to work on skills outside of her comfort zone. He knows fighting - especially hand to hand - wasn't her forte (haha) at the beginning, and her willingness to learn anyway is something to be admired. Her gift is a brooch shaped like a grand piano.
- Natsuki's note comments on her marked improvement. In the short time she's been in training, she's worked her ass off and improved by leaps and bounds, and it's impressive. Well done. Her gift is a spatula shaped like a sword.
- Honoka's note compliments her ability to pick herself back up after getting knocked down. It's hard to do, and he's proud of her for being able to do it. Her gift is a necklace with a musical note charm.
- Unlike the other's, Monika's card has no paw print, and her envelope lacks a personalized gift. Her note is simple: Good work. Keep it up. Whether that's referring to training or her situation as a whole is open to Monika's interpretation.
Michael receives what looks to be a standard first aid kit; however, opening it up reveals all the standard supplies and an additional smaller pouch with neatly organized single use supplies: a small bandage, a single dose of painkillers, a small amount of antiseptic, etc. This smaller pouch could easily fit into, say, the pocket of a standard men's suit, making it easy to carry around pretty much anywhere, even when Michael isn't carrying the larger bag.
Sans receives...well, this. It comes with a note reading For when you need a hand giving someone else a hand.
Alex receives a plush raven. There are absolutely no pointy bits: the beak, the feet, and even the eyes are all soft.
Church receives a copy of the Faerunian version of How to Make Friends and Influence People. It comes with a note reading Required reading for charisma classes.
Christine receives a short sword and scabbard. It's light, simple, and well-made. The accompanying note reads Let me know when you want to learn how to use this.
McCree receives a harmonica, with a note reading Your next step in becoming that one-man band you've always dreamed of being.
Dave receives a loaf of homemade cinnamon apple bread. Wash didn't make it; there's a baker out there who was paid a handsome commission to figure out how to incorporate apple juice in the batter.
Roxas receives a sword and scabbard, sturdy and well-made, with a note reading It's always good to have a backup.
Phoenix receives a sturdy but lightweight circular shield. After all, he's a defender, isn't he?
Eleanor receives a sleeping bag. Get off his couch, dammit.
Mista receives a sweatshirt in the same color and pattern as the one that had previously been "lost." Unlike his previous clothes, however, it's a full-length shirt - no crop tops. Not in the winter, and not from Wash.
Ogata receives a toy pop gun, delivered completely anonymously - no note whatsoever, and someone else brings it to Ogata's door. Have fun with that.
on the 25th
Whatever; even Michael knows that gift cards aren't considered thoughtful or something. In the end, he decides to just lean into his own brand of practicality. It would be a little silly to leave this gift outside his own door, so he just leaves it on Wash's bed instead.]
Hope this comes in handy. I'm going to try to spend the holiday in Eleanor's room for a change, or drag her over to Chidi's, but either way I don't think she or I will be here for a bit - happy Candlenights.
- Michael
[Inside is a travel first-aid kit and a nice chainmail shirt. Speaking from a demon's perspective, if he were better at swordfighting and all, he is pretty sure he could stab you right through that fancy space armor you got.]
present!
[ there's also a helmet shaped 'peace' omamori, blessed by mia and maya. ]
25th.
25th.
This was the only option.
- Alex ]
25th
Keep warm, hot stuff.
- Eleanor ]
Voice
[He's honestly not sure whether that says more about his taste or hers ]
Where did you even find this?
Voice
Permavoice
Permavoice
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25th
Sparkling strands of tinsel and snow pure white,
The smell of hot cocoa and apple cider too,
A very merry Candlenights, from Sayori to you!
[And then on the other side:]
You've been looking out for me and taking care of me since I got here! And you try to make sure I take care of myself too. I know I don't always make it easy, but I really try my best. I don't think I would have made it this far without you. Thank you.
[Inside the box is exquisite coffee that goes perfectly with Natsuki's coffee cake, a set of sturdy new boots and gloves that fit pretty darn well, and a carved New New Aspen ornament of Athena.]
early january;
Why would you think the exhale is inaudible?
the exhale is the most audible something of all.
Are you upset by how hearable it is?
Does it tear you apart to see the exhale so sonic?
Pay attention to the exhalation,
the exhalation is the most noxious breath of all.
Down, down, down into the darkness of the exhalation,
Gently it goes - the innocuous, the injurious, the vesicant.
Whisper is, in its way, the breathless tone of verbalize.
Down, down, down into the darkness of the whisper,
Gently it goes - the wooly-minded, the hairy, the addled.
Voice
[Hell, maybe he should act on that.]
Are you doing okay?
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cafe a little after 7
If Wash is going to try to convince him to do something dangerous, he definitely expects food out of it at least.]
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[Wash's reaction is a little less surprised - a floating rock is far from the furthest thing he's ever seen, and as long as it doesn't have a laser face, he's not worried.]
I was thinking burgers. Sound good?
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